ORLANDO Pirates were held to a goalless draw by Algerian side Es Setif in the Caf Confederation Cup Group A match at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Although, Pirates already have one foot in the knockout stages, the draw means they will need to win their last group match against Nigerian side Enyimba next Wednesday to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
Bucs were hoping to secure a place in the quarterfinals with one game to spare. Despite the draw, Pirates still head the standings on 9 points from five matches, while second placed Enyimba could get equal with them on points if they beat Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi today.
Third placed Setif could still qualify if they beat Benghazi and hope Enyimba lose today and against Pirates. The Algerian side have collected five points from the same number of matches. Setif are aware that victory for will surely end their hopes of going through.
Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer gave Siyabonga Mpontshane the chance to start between the posts, while Wayne Sandilands was on the bench.
The German also gave Mpontshane a rare start when they beat Nigerian side Enyimba 2-1 in their last Caf match played at the same venue. However, the 35-year-old only lasted 20 minutes in the game as was replaced by Sandilands having limped off the pitch in pain due to a thigh injury he sustained after he collided with Setif striker Daniel Lomotey.
This is a huge blow for Pirates considering that Sandilands is now the only keeper that is injury free as first choice stopper Richard Ofori is still in the casualty room.
Zinnbauer welcomed back Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo who wore the armband and partnered Ntsikelelo Nyauza in the absence of Happy Jele.
Tshegofatso Mabasa was given the nod upfront alongside Deon Hotto having scored the winner against Enyimba. The match was physical from the onset with Mozambique referee Armindo Celso taking centre stage in a bid to control tempers from spiralling out of hand.
Pirates pilled more pressure on Setif after the break hoping to get the desired victory. Mabasa missed a clear-cut scoring chance in the 48th minutes from inside the penalty box when he shot over the bar.
